Hoboken residents from at least two houses on Madison Street were displaced yesterday by a 4-alarm fire that was fueled by heavy winds and billowed smoke for blocks.

For a time, the entire block of Madison Street between Observer Highway and First Street, was evacuated as North Hudson, Jersey City, and Hoboken firefighters battled the blaze, which engulfed 72 Madison, a two-story structure, and 74 Madison, a three-story building.

Residents at those two homes were not allowed to return home.

The fire started around 2:30 p.m. and was declared under control around 4 p.m.

The cause of the blaze has not been determined.

Several residents said they heard an explosion shortly before seeing the smoke.

“My roommate heard a large bang and yelled for us to come outside,” said Madison Street resident Zach Farnsworth. “When you looked outside, you just saw a lot of smoke pouring out of the building.

“This is absolutely the biggest fire I’ve seen,” Farnsworth added. “I’ve never seen anything this big.”

City officials opened up the Connors School on nearby Monroe Street to provide temporary shelter for the evacuees.

One resident was treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation, but no other injuries were reported, city spokesman Juan Melli said yesterday.